Teen assaulted and robbed in Heriot Place gang attack

An 18-year-old was punched in the face and robbed in an attack in the city centre.

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information following the incident.

The assault happened at around 12.30am on Tuesday 31 July on Heriot Place, near to the Flodden Wall.

An 18-year-old man walking with friends along Lauriston Place was approached by a group of five youths who confronted him before one member punched him in the face.

Following the incident, the victim ran from the suspects and dropped a black bag containing a pair of headphones, which two of the suspects then stole.

Friends of the victim were then threatened verbally by the remainder of the group.

The 18-year-old suffered minor facial injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

The suspects are all described as white and aged around 14-16-years old. Three were male and two female.

The first suspect who assaulted the victim is described as being around 5ft 9ins tall, of slim build with short dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing with a hood and a snood, and spoke with a Scottish accent.

The second suspect is described as around 5ft 3ins tall, of slim build, and had short blond hair with a thick fringe. He was wearing dark clothing and spoke with a Scottish accent.

The third suspect is described as around 5ft 4ins tall, of slim build, with blond hair. He was wearing a waterproof zip-up top.

The two females are described as being around 5ft 5ins tall. One was of slim build, was wearing a grey hooded top, dark coloured trousers, and had a Scottish accent. The second was of medium build and had blond hair tied in a bun. She was wearing a grey jumper and dark trousers.

Detective Constable Leigh Inglis from Gayfield CID said: “This was an appalling attack and a traumatic experience for the victim and his friends.